Influence of different doses of caffeine consumption on stress levels among students enrolled in King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Caffeine consumption is widespread among university students and is often used to combat fatigue and enhance cognitive performance. However, excessive intake may be associated with increased stress levels. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between caffeine consumption and perceived stress among students at King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 1,209 undergraduate students from September to November 2023. Caffeine consumption was assessed using a questionnaire covering 14 common caffeinated beverages. The Arabic version of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used to measure stress levels. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between caffeine intake and perceived stress, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors. Nearly 80% of participants reported consuming >250 mg of caffeine daily. High caffeine consumption was significantly associated with both moderate stress (adjusted OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.53-3.77, <i>P</i> < 0.001) and high stress (adjusted OR: 3.66, 95% CI: 1.94-6.92, <i>P</i> < 0.001) compared to low stress, even after adjusting for potential confounders. Our study reveals a strong association between high caffeine consumption and elevated stress levels among Saudi university students. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address excessive caffeine use and stress management in this population. Future research should explore the long-term effects of high caffeine consumption on academic performance and mental health, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of various intervention strategies.